Should you insulate between floor joists?

1. In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below. If the air distribution is in the attic space, then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space.

energy.gov - Where to Insulate in a Home - Department of Energy

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For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation. The illustration above shows all the areas of the home where there should be insulation. The numbered areas shown in the illustration are as follows: 1. In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below. If the air distribution is in the attic space, then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space.

(1A). Insulate the attic access door

2. In finished attic rooms with or without dormers, insulate (2A) between the studs of "knee" walls, (2B) between the studs and rafters of the exterior walls and the roof, (2C) and ceilings with unconditioned spaces above.

(2D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows.

3. Insulate all exterior walls, including (3A) walls between living spaces and unheated garages, shed roofs, or storage areas; (3B) foundation walls above ground level; (3C) foundation walls in heated basements. 4. Apply insulation to floors above unconditioned spaces, such as vented crawl spaces and unheated garages. Also insulate (4A) any portion of the floor in a room that is cantilevered beyond the exterior wall below; (4B) slab floors built directly on the ground; (4C) as an alternative to floor insulation, foundation walls of unvented crawl spaces. (4D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows.

5. Do not forget to insulate the band joists.

6. Caulk and seal around all windows and doors.

In addition to insulation, consider moisture and air leakage control in each area of your house. If radon is an issue where you live, you’ll also need to consider radon and radon-resistant construction techniques as you research foundation insulation options. In addition, if you live in an area with termites, you’ll have to consider how termite protection will affect the choice and placement of insulation in your home and plan for a means of inspection.

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Is it OK to use treated lumber for floor joists?

Generally, building codes require pressure-treated or naturally durable wood for the following applications: Joists or the bottom of structural floors without joists that are within 18″ of exposed soil. Beams or girders closer than 12″ to exposed soil.

raisedfloorlivingpro.com - Pressure-Treated Lumber | Raised Floor Living Pro | Southern Pine

The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) has approved several preservative treatments suitable for residential or commercial enclosed (interior) framing applications. For all structural framing applications, pressure-treated lumber must be dried after treatment (air or kiln-dried) to a moisture content of 19% or less before enclosure. AWPA sets preservative retention levels for treated lumber, based upon intended use. Retention levels refer to the amount of preservative that remains in the cell structure after the pressure treating process is completed. Retentions are expressed in pounds per cubic foot of wood. The higher the number, the harsher the conditions to which the wood may be exposed.

Design Values

Design values published in the SPIB Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber apply to both treated and untreated Southern Pine. Also, design value adjustment factors in the National Design Specification® for Wood Construction (NDS®) apply to both treated and untreated lumber, with the exception that load duration factors, CD, greater than 1.6 shall not apply to structural members pressure treated with waterborne preservatives. Design values for dimension lumber are based on normal use conditions (moisture content less thanc19%). They are intended for use in covered structures or where the moisture content in use does not exceed 19% for an extended period of time. For applications where the moisture content will exceed 19% for an extended period, tabulated design values must be multiplied by the appropriate wet service factor, CM. For additional information about design values and design value adjustment factors, refer to the SFPA publication Southern Pine Use Guide or the National Design Specification®.

For more information, refer to the SFPA publication Pressure-Treated Southern Pine.

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